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problem with column datatype

Author

Topic

fogofogo
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-10-30 : 05:45:35

Hello,

I'm trying to change a column datatype in a ms sql 2000 database, that contains 700k records. Its currently set as a varchar, and I need to change it to a datetime format. The dates in the column are set as dd/mm/yyyy ( 20/02/2007).

When I try to change it I get this error...

ODBC error: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]The conversion of a char data type to a datetime data type resulted in an out-of-range datetime value.
[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]The statement has been terminated.

So obviously there is dodgy date in one of the rows. Does anyone know any sql function that I can use to run and select the records with the date errors?

Thanks

Matt

visakh16
Very Important crosS Applying yaK Herder

52326 Posts

Posted - 2008-10-30 : 06:15:40

you may use this

select * from yourtable where isdate(datefield)=0
or (isdate(datefield)=1 and len(datefield)<8)

fogofogo
Starting Member

11 Posts

Posted - 2008-10-30 : 06:56:26

Thank you.

Here is what I have discoved...

The dates that are ok are in this format dd/mm/yyyy, but the dates with the errors are mm/dd/yyyy

So, 12/10/2008 is fine, where 13/10/2008 is not.

Thousands of records are in the wrong format - is there anyway I can change them using sql?

Thanks again

webfred
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

8781 Posts

Posted - 2008-10-30 : 07:10:03

Assuming you don't have mixed Dates in your table.
Assuming they're always dd/mm/yyyy.

set language german
select convert(datetime,'13/12/2008')

and maybe then...
set language english

Webfred

No, you're never too old to Yak'n'Roll if you're too young to die.

madhivanan
Premature Yak Congratulator

22864 Posts

Posted - 2008-10-30 : 08:20:59

Always use proper datetime datatype to store dates

set dateformat dmy
--do process
set dateformat mdy

Madhivanan

Failing to plan is Planning to fail

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